Texas Water Development Board

Groundwater is a major source of water in Texas, providing about 55 percent of the 14.7 million acre-feet of water used in the state, as reported in the 2020 Water Use Survey. The mission of the Groundwater Division is to collect, interpret, and provide accurate, objective information on the groundwater resources of Texas. Our vision is for the people of Texas to know and understand their groundwater resources.

The Groundwater Division is responsible for all aspects of groundwater studies in the state. We monitor groundwater levels and groundwater quality in 9 major and 22 minor aquifers, conduct regional-scale groundwater modeling, and house and maintain water well records. We also review and approve groundwater management plans and participate in the establishment of desired future conditions of aquifers in groundwater management areas. Our geologists and hydrologists also conduct investigations of aquifer and groundwater conditions to support the needs of citizens, policy makers, and lawmakers of the state.

For questions about groundwater, please contact us at 512-936-0871.

Want quarterly updates from the Groundwater Division?
Sign up for the Groundwater Gazette!

Soliciting Stakeholder Ideas for Research Projects to Support Groundwater Modeling (GM) and Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS)

Submission Deadline for FY26-27: July 31, 2025

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is soliciting ideas for research projects to support groundwater modeling and brackish groundwater research in the state of Texas. The intent of this TWDB solicitation is to provide stakeholders the opportunity to provide the Groundwater Modeling (GM) and the Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS) Departments with potential research projects ideas.

Proposed research ideas may be for new projects that support groundwater modeling or brackish groundwater studies. By soliciting ideas from stakeholders, we aim to have a more thorough view of projects that could benefit our stakeholders and provide a greater understanding of Texas groundwater resources.

Every biennium, the TWDB receives appropriations from the Texas Legislature to use for research related to groundwater modeling and brackish studies as well as to support the designation of brackish groundwater production zones. This funding becomes available in September 2025 and every odd-numbered year thereafter. In August 2025, the GM and BRACS Departments will review submitted project ideas alongside internal research ideas. We will select projects that align with GM or BRACS Department goals and can be completed with available budget.

Please use the link below to access the idea solicitation form. Please contact Daryn Hardwick, GM Manager, or Kristie Laughlin, BRACS Manager, with any questions.

Link to form

TWDB Soliciting Stakeholder Ideas for Groundwater Modeling and Brackish Groundwater Research

Deadline: July 31, 2025

The Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) is soliciting ideas for research projects to support groundwater modeling and brackish groundwater research in Texas. This solicitation gives stakeholders the opportunity to provide the TWDB Groundwater Modeling (GM) and Brackish Resources Aquifer Characterization System (BRACS) Departments with potential research projects ideas.

Every biennium, the TWDB receives appropriations from the Texas Legislature to use for research related to groundwater modeling and brackish studies and to support the designation of brackish groundwater production zones. This funding becomes available in September 2025 and every odd-numbered year thereafter. In August 2025, the GM and BRACS Departments will review submitted project ideas alongside internal research ideas. We will select projects that align with GM or BRACS Department goals and can be completed with available budget.

To submit your idea, please complete the solicitation form by July 31. Contact Daryn Hardwick, GM Manager, or Kristie Laughlin, BRACS Manager, with any questions.